If anyone can save what has been an admittedly rough awards season, it’s got to be Leslie Jones. The comedian and SNL alum is set to host this year’s MTV Movie & TV Awards on May 16, bringing her characteristic energy and enthusiasm to what is typically one of the more laid back and youthful awards shows.
“Get ready for some fun, y’all!” Jones tweeted this morning, shortly after her hosting gig was announced.
Guess who’s hosting the 2021 #MTVAwards!!? 🙋🏾♀️ Get ready for some fun, y’all! Tune in Sunday May 16 @ 9pm on @MTV 📺 And VOTE now through Friday @ 6pm ET at https://t.co/lP5QiHQAnT!! @MTVAwards pic.twitter.com/vDsFTCJvSX
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) April 28, 2021
And, lord, can Awards Season use a healthy dose of fun! After what many considered a successful — if under-watched —pandemic era re-imagining of the Emmy Awards ceremony last summer, the glitz of this year’s awards shows has been dampened by controversy, awkward production values, and a seemingly pervasive lack of interest. Both the Grammys and the Academy Awards all received record lows in viewership this year, while the Golden Globes also suffered from outcry over its bafflingly tone-deaf nominations and scrutiny into the shady practices of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Fortunately, MTV’s awards shows have always been more about entertaining their audience than making self-aggrandizing statements about the industry. They also tend to meet fans where they’re at: nominees tend to be more diverse, representing the films and TV shows that are actually popular with audiences. (Jones herself is nominated in the Best Comedic Performance category for her role in Coming 2 America.) And the awards categories have been gender-neutral for decades.
The network hasn’t revealed precisely what format this year’s show will take or how much of it will be in-person vs. remote. But it’s safe to assume we’ll get to see Jones flex her comedic muscle in the show’s trademark pre-recorded film parodies. She’s already proved herself a hilariously watchable emcee, hosting the BET Awards back in 2017. And fans of her Twitter account know she’s got plenty to say about whatever she happens to be watching. Makes you wonder whether she’ll be rooting for Godzilla vs. Kong on May 16.
If I had a condo down there I would be pissed!! #kingkongGodzilla #thatsallogot pic.twitter.com/uk1taXjPBh
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) April 12, 2021
